PAX A77 review
PAX A77 is the smaller, printer-less Android smart terminal in the PAX line-up, sitting below the A920 Pro. Distributed in the UK via the same ISO and acquirer channels. Suits mobile traders and counter-side acceptance where a printer is not required and digital receipts are the default.
At a glance
- Manufacturer
- PAX Technology
- Acquirer
- Multiple (UK ISOs and acquirers including Take Payments, Paymentsense and others distribute PAX hardware)
- Form factor
- Compact Android-based handheld smart terminal (no built-in printer; companion to the A920 Pro)
- Contract
- Typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO
How PAX A77 works
PAX A77 is a compact Android-based handheld smart terminal (no built-in printer; companion to the A920 Pro) acquired through various UK acquirers and ISOs. Connectivity covers WiFi, 4G, Bluetooth, which determines whether the device runs standalone or pairs with a phone, tablet or POS till.
Cards are read at the device, the transaction is authorised through the acquirer's payment gateway, and funds settle to the merchant's nominated UK bank account on the acquirer's settlement schedule. Pricing is Acquirer-dependent, with a contract length of typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO.
The merchant of record is various UK acquirers and ISOs. That means card-scheme compliance, PCI handling, dispute and chargeback flows all sit with the acquirer rather than with the merchant. The hardware is the user-facing surface; the underlying processing relationship is with the acquirer.
Pricing breakdown
| Cost component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Setup / hardware cost | Bundled with merchant account (rental typical) |
| Transaction rate | Acquirer-dependent |
| Monthly fee | Bundled with contract; confirm with acquirer |
| Contract length | Typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO |
| Exit fee | Early-termination fee may apply; confirm in writing |
Verify pricing directly with various UK acquirers and ISOs before signing. UK card-acceptance pricing varies by sector, ticket size and processing volume.
Hardware and software
- Form factor: Compact Android-based handheld smart terminal (no built-in printer; companion to the A920 Pro).
- Connectivity: WiFi, 4G, Bluetooth.
- Card schemes: Visa, Mastercard, American Express (acquirer-dependent).
- Contactless: contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay accepted up to UK contactless limits.
- Software: managed by various UK acquirers and ISOs; firmware and security updates are pushed by the acquirer.
- Receipt handling: digital receipts by SMS or email; no built-in printer.
- POS app integrations: see acquirer's published list (varies by acquirer and country).
Tap to Pay support
Status: Yes (contactless / NFC)
Hardware accepts contactless cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), Apple Pay and Google Pay up to UK contactless limits.
Settlement and funds
Standard UK acquirer settlement is next business day. Speak to the acquirer for same-day options.
Pros and cons
Pros
- + Android platform supports acquirer customisation and third-party apps.
- + Compact form factor; lighter and cheaper than the A920 Pro.
- + Multi-network connectivity reduces downtime.
- + Widely supported across UK ISO channel.
Cons
- − Almost always rented (not bought), lock-in via acquirer contract.
- − No built-in receipt printer.
- − Performance and software experience depends entirely on the acquirer's app.
Best for and avoid if
Best for
- · Mobile traders via ISO / broker
- · Counter-side acceptance where digital receipts are fine
- · Acquirer-bundled deployments wanting cheaper hardware than A920 Pro
Avoid if
- · No-contract economics
- · Hospitality needing built-in printer
- · Standalone use without an acquirer
FAQs
Does PAX A77 require a contract?
Yes. Contract length is Typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO. Terms vary by acquirer; confirm exit fees, auto-renewal and minimum monthly fees in writing before signing.
What does PAX A77 cost in year 1?
Upfront hardware: Bundled with merchant account (rental typical). Transaction rate: Acquirer-dependent. Contract: Typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO. First-year cost depends on your card volume; MerchantHQ's quote tool will model the effective cost against alternatives.
Can I integrate PAX A77 with common UK POS systems?
Integration depends on the underlying acquirer and the POS. various UK acquirers and ISOs publish a list of supported integrations. Common UK POS systems with public integrations include Lightspeed, Epos Now, Square POS (own ecosystem) and Goodtill. Confirm directly before purchasing hardware.
How fast does PAX A77 settle funds?
Standard UK acquirer settlement is next business day. Speak to the acquirer for same-day options.
Can I cancel PAX A77 early?
Early termination is governed by the contract. Most UK card-acceptance contracts include an early-termination fee or remaining-monthly-fees clause. Get the cancellation terms in writing before you sign.
Compare PAX A77
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Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director, Best Business Loans Ltd. Last reviewed: 2026-05-10.